In September last year Ireland left the rugby world in shock as they defeated the world champions New Zealand in a closely fought 29-27 victory. The win was one of Ireland’s most famous victories and it teed up perfectly the two nations’ clash in the Rugby World Cup. They have history on this world stage, with Ireland beating New Zealand in 2014. There was another twist in Brighton as the Black Ferns enacted revenge, leaving their rivals scoreless to top the pool.
One New Zealand player who was not in the team for the Ireland upset was Braxton Sorensen-McGee. The versatile back, who has started at both wing and full-back so far this tournament, made her debut in May and had been a bright light. The 18-year-old was electric on Sunday with a hat-trick to back up the three she scored against Japan. Her first was the best of the three as she beat three defenders to run in.
